Looking for easy dinner recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort? This cheesy baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, melty mozzarella, warm marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked together in one simple, satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy night.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or just want something cozy after work, this no-fuss dish comes together in minutes and tastes like a meal you spent hours on. With pantry staples and basic ingredients, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, budget-friendly meals, or even casual party food.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Ready in just 30 minutes
-
Made with affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients
-
Gooey, cheesy, and kid-approved
-
A no-fail weeknight dinner recipe
-
Easily doubled for family meals or leftovers
-
Customizable with meats, veggies, or different cheeses
Ingredient Breakdown
Cooked Pasta – The heart of the dish; use your favorite shape like penne, rotini, or shells for a satisfying texture.
Marinara Sauce – Adds classic tomato flavor and rich, savory depth to the base.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully over the top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Olive Oil – Helps brown the cheese and adds a touch of richness.
Garlic Powder – Provides warm, aromatic seasoning without needing fresh garlic.
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavor.
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, rotini, or your favorite shape)
-
1 cup marinara sauce
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or casserole pan. -
Mix Pasta and Sauce
In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. -
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer. -
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta, covering it completely for that perfect cheesy crust. -
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese to help it melt and brown beautifully in the oven. -
Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. -
Serve Hot
Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then serve hot with your favorite side or salad.
Pro Tips
-
Undercook pasta by 1 minute to keep it from getting mushy when baked.
-
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melt and flavor.
-
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
-
Cover loosely with foil if the cheese starts browning too quickly.
-
Use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
-
Swap marinara for Alfredo or pesto for a flavor twist.
-
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for protein.
-
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in veggies.
-
Try cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
-
Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly option.
Serving Suggestions
-
Pair with garlic bread or focaccia for a classic Italian-style dinner.
-
Serve alongside a Caesar or garden salad to balance the richness.
-
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving for color and aroma.
-
For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
-
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.
-
Freeze: Freeze baked pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this without baking it?
You can! Just heat the pasta and sauce on the stovetop, then top with cheese and broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short, sturdy pastas like penne, fusilli, shells, or rigatoni hold up well in baked dishes.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes — just use a vegetarian marinara sauce.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely. Sauté 1–2 minced cloves in olive oil before adding to the pasta mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily. Use a larger 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Notes
-
Don’t overbake or the cheese may become rubbery.
-
Fresh herbs or Parmesan make great finishing touches.
-
Adjust garlic and salt levels to your taste preference.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: 420
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Tools You’ll Need
-
Mixing bowl
-
Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Spoon or spatula
-
Oven mitts
